Tue 11 Feb 2025, 10:11 GMT | Updated: Tue 11 Feb 2025, 10:13 GMT

H-Line Shipping orders LNG bunkering vessel


Vessel with 18,000-cbm capacity to run on both LNG and MDO.


Pictured (from left): H-Line Shipping CEO Seo Myungdeuk and HJSC CEO Yoo Sang-cheol at the contract signing ceremony for the construction of an 18,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel.
Pictured (from left): H-Line Shipping CEO Seo Myungdeuk and HJSC CEO Yoo Sang-cheol at the contract signing ceremony for the construction of an 18,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel. Image credit: HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC)

Korea's H-Line Shipping, a specialist in dedicated carriers, has signed a contract valued at KRW 127.1bn ($87.43m) for the construction of an 18,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel.

The order, secured via HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC), comes amid projected growth in the market for crude oil carriers, LNG carriers, and LNG bunkering vessels, spurred by anticipated expansions in oil and natural gas drilling as well as the resumption of LNG exports under the second Trump administration.

The contracted vessel will measure 144 metres in length, 25.2 metres in width, and 12.8 metres in depth, capable of supplying up to 18,000 cbm of LNG in a single operation directly to LNG-fuelled ships.

The ship facilitates ship-to-ship (STS) LNG bunkering, allowing LNG-fuelled vessels to receive fuel directly at sea without the need to dock.

It will be fitted with two independent LNG tanks certified by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and feature a dual-fuel propulsion system that operates on both LNG and marine diesel oil (MDO). This advanced setup will aim to optimise operational efficiency while reducing carbon emissions.

Yoo Sang-cheol, CEO of HJSC, noted: "As global LNG demand and supply continue to grow, the LNG bunkering vessel market will see steady expansion."

He added: "We will focus on strengthening our expertise in building eco-friendly, high-value-added ships, securing a competitive edge that aligns with our legacy as a leader in shipbuilding."

HJSC previously built the world's first purpose-built LNG bunkering vessel, Engie Zeebrugge, which was delivered in 2017.



Liquefied biogas facility at Port of Gothenburg render. Construction begins on liquefied biogas facility at Port of Gothenburg  

Nordion Energi's new plant aims to open up Swedish biogas supply to shipping and other sectors beyond the gas grid.

Sun Princess ship-to-ship (STS) LNG bunkering operation. Axpo completes first LNG bunkering of cruise ship at port of Naples  

Sun Princess bunkered at Naples, marking the first LNG operation on a cruise vessel at the Italian port.

Ship-to-ship (STS) HVO supply at Keihin Port. Kamei Corporation begins Japan’s first ship-to-ship HVO supply at Keihin Port  

Japanese energy company launches HVO bunkering operation using drop-in biodiesel fuel brand Susteo.

Participants of SSA training course. SSA launches green fuels training course ahead of low-carbon transition  

The Singapore Shipping Association has introduced a course covering alternative marine fuels and emissions frameworks.

The Nautical Institute (NI) logo. The Nautical Institute launches bunkering and engineering assessors course  

New programme targets behavioural competency and human factors in high-risk shipboard operations.

Quasar Conservation vesel render. ABB retrofits expedition yacht with hybrid-electric propulsion for Galápagos operations  

The conversion will make the 1970s-built vessel the first hybrid-electric yacht of its type in the archipelago, says ABB.

Grande Svezia vessel. Grimaldi christens ammonia-ready car carrier Grande Svezia at Swedish port  

Grimaldi Group's new PCTC, delivered in December 2025, claims fuel savings of up to 50%.

CMA CGM Notre Dame vessel. CMA CGM Notre Dame sets sail as world’s largest LNG-powered container ship  

The 24,212-teu vessel leads a series of ten next-generation French-flagged ships.

IMO building with national flags. IMO seeks head of climate action and clean air section  

London-based role to oversee GHG emissions reduction and air pollution prevention from ships.

Sustainable maritime fuel supply chain report graphic. Strategic port hubs could accelerate sustainable marine fuel adoption, report finds  

Lloyd’s Register Maritime Decarbonisation Hub identifies priority ports and trade routes for alternative fuel infrastructure.